Firefighters Extatic for Such a Great Toy Drive Event Turnout

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – (December 16, 2013) – The San Bernardino County Fire Department Local 935, in partnership with the Spark of Love Toy Drive and Children’s Fund’s Celebration of Giving Campaign, filled their fire trucks with new and unwrapped toys for underprivileged children in our local communities these past two Saturdays December 7, 2013 and December 14, 2013 at their Fill the Fire Truck Toy Drive events.

Firefighters got to enjoy the day with children and family members that came out and donated toys. Children had the opportunity to participate in several hands-on activities, and learned how fulfilling it is to give back to those who may not receive a gift otherwise. A safety trailer, balloon artist, and clown were some of the activities that children got to experience throughout the day.

The event on Saturday December 7, 2013 took place at the Super Target located in Hesperia, CA, where all of the community members were invited to come out for a day filled of a fun, giving experience.
“I am very delighted with the turnout of the event and the support that was given to us by this great community,” stated Firefighter/Paramedic Jason McLaughlin, organizer of the event. “We were able to collect over 1,750 toys that I am sure will make a difference in the lives of many children this holiday season.” Local radio stations, The Route 103.1 and the CBS Sports station KRAK 910 were present to provide entertainment and to promote the event.

The second Fill a Fire Truck Toy Drive event took place on Saturday December 14, 2013 at the Stater Bros. Market located in North Fontana, CA. Attendees enjoyed entertainment provided by KFRG Radio 95.1, a BBQ cooked up by the firefighters, and various activities including the viewing of the San Bernardino County Fire Departments 9/11 Memorial Monument, as well as other fire apparatus. Santa was even able to take time away from his hectic schedule to visit with the children. “I am grateful for Stater Bros. Market partnering with County Fire, along with Children’s Fund, KFRG and all of our wonderful partners,” states Firefighter/Paramedic Craig Lynde, organizer of this Fill the Fire Truck event. “We all have a common goal which is to help those less fortunate; especially during the holidays, and today definitely helped. We want to thank everyone for coming out and donating generously despite the high winds. We filled ten large boxes of toys, and raised nearly $3,000 through Fill the Boot.”

“Children’s Fund is excited to partner with San Bernardino County Fire, Spark of Love in providing toys to children in need throughout the County,” says Stacy Iverson, Chief Operating Officer of Children’s Fund. “These firefighters have helped make a tremendous impact in the lives of many children this

holiday season, and their hard work in organizing the events has been very evident. The events were a huge success, and the spirit of giving was in the air.” In a region where one in four youth live
in poverty, an event like this is a way to help bring joy to a child during Christmas. Donations can still be made to your local fire stations or dropped off at 1140 E. Cooley Ave., San Bernardino through December 18, 2013.

Created in 1986, Children’s Fund is a non-profit whose mission is to prevent child abuse in our community; to ensure that at-risk children who are abused, neglected, impoverished, or abandoned receive adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care and education; and to provide equal opportunity for social development for these children. Since its inception, Children’s Fund has served more than 1.3 million children. For more information on Children’s Fund or to learn how you can give a child hope for brighter tomorrows by making a donation, go to www.childrensfundonline.org or call 909.379.0000. Follow us on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/W4Wymf